Casket and lining therefor



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CASKET AND LINING THEREFOR Filed April 10, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 1110.51 F1055. E 55, 12a.

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CASKET AND LINING THEREFOR Filed April 10, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 B346. 1 4 a 12G. 50.

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P 7, 1955 J. A. WOLTERlNG ETAL 2,718,687

CASKET AND LINING THEREFOR '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 10, 1952 BG M? 206 United States Patent CASKET AND LINING THEREFOR Joseph Alphonse Woltering, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kelly Stewart Claxton, Jr., Covington, Ky., assignors to Cincinnati Cofiin Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application April 10, 1952, Serial No. 281,522

4 Claims. (Cl. 27-19) This invention relates to improvements in caskets and more particularly to improvements in casket linings and means for attachment of the linings within caskets.

In the manufacture of metal caskets it is conventional practice to provide within the metal structure a series of wood strips suitably fastened to the metal and arranged to receive tacks or the like which serve to mount a fabric lining within the casket.

Special provisions for mounting these wood strips are required and the application of the lining or upholstering is a manual operation individual to each casket which requires considerable time and skilled labor. Thus the time and labor necessary for applying the wood strips and lining each casket limits production and becomes an appreciable factor in the final cost.

It is an object of our invention to provide an improved casket structure whereby the wooden strips are eliminated and the work of lining or upholstering is simplified and facilitated, thus reducing costs and increasing production.

Another object is to provide a preassembled lining for the lid or cover of the casket, said lining being detachably mounted within the casket by means of spring clips or the like. This makes it possible for a funeral parlor to carry single specimens of different types of caskets with different kinds and colors of linings optional with those choosing the casket, the linings being readily appliable by the ordinary labor available in the establishment.

A further object is to provide a preassembled lining structure comprising a simple frame having the fabric lining material attached thereto, this subassembly being attached within the casket by means of spring clips and springs or other suitable retaining devices engaging the casket and the frame of the lining structure.

Other objects of the invention will be explained in the ensuing specification.

Referring now to the drawings:

Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a plan view and a front elevation thereof showing a casket or coflin of the half couch type, the lid being in open position and the lining or upholstering being omitted to facilitate description and to clearly show an arrangement of spring clips ancillary to mounting a lining.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2 and showing a spring clip in detail.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view through the lid, the view being taken along the line 44 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but also showing, in exploded relation, a liner member comprising spring strips and rods and a curtain member mounted on a rod as employed in accordance with one aspect of our invention.

Figure 6 is also a similar view through the lid but with the liner member and the curtain member in final assembled relation wherein the main body of the liner is retained in arcuate formation by means of the spring ice strips and the marginal edges of the liner are retained by the rods.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 77 of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 but showing a curtain or draped member in position.

Figure 9 is a somewhat diagrammatic detail view showing a liner member with the spring strips and rods in assembled relation, the view being taken from the back or unfinished side of the liner.

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along the line 1111 of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a view illustrating a curtain member.

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken on the line 1313 of Figure 12.

Figures 14 and 15 are respectively a front and a side elevation showing an alternate arrangement wherein preformed arcuate strips have magnetic means for engaging the metal lid of a casket.

Figure 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 16-16 of Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16 but showing an alternate embodiment of parts.

Figure 18 is also a view similar to Figure 16 showing an alternate fastening means comprising a suction cup.

Figure 19 is a transverse sectional view taken through a lid and a lining assembly, the parts being in exploded relation and having further alternate fastening means comprising snap fasteners.

Figure 20 is a transverse sectional view showing a lid having a liner detachably mounted therein by fastening means including screws.

Figure 21 is a front elevational view showing a casket of the duo hinge sealer type, the lid and rail being in open position and the linings thereof being omitted to clearly show an arrangement of spring clips.

Figure 22 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 2222 of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a portion of Figure 22 on enlarged scale and having lining members attached.

Figure 24 is a detail plan view with parts broken away illustrating a lining member and its frame structure as employed for lining the rail of the casket of Figures 21, 22 and 23.

Figure 25 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 2525 of Figure 24.

Figure 25a is a view similar to Figure 25 but showing a padded lining member.

Figure 26 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing a casket of the hinged cap type, the hinged cap or lid being raised to an open position and its lining being omitted.

Figure 27 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 27-27 of Figure 26 but also showing a lining member and a curtain in exploded relation.

Figure 28 is a view similar to Figure 27 but with the lining and curtain in assembled position.

Figure 29 is a transverse sectional view taken through a casket lid and also showing a further alternate arrangement whereby the lining comprises a'shell-like structure herein shown in position preparatory to assembly within the lid, the ultimate assembled relation of parts being indicated in broken lines.

Figure 30 is again a transverse sectional view taken through a lid and showing in exploded relation a shell type lining structure with alternate means for detachable assembly within the lid.

Figure 31 is a view similar to Figure 30 but showing the parts in assembled relation.

Figure 32 is a fragmentary perspective showing a portion of the shell type structure of Figures 30 and 31.

Figure 33 is a transverse section taken through a lid and showing a further alternate arrangement for attaching a shell type lining structure.

Figures 34 through 38 are detail perspective views showing modifications of spring clips suitable for use in my improved construction.

Figure -39 is a front elevational view showing a casket of the full couch type, the lid being in open position and the lining being omitted to clearly show a preferred arrangement of spring clips.

Figure 40 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 40--40 of Figure 39.

Figure 1011 is a transverse sectional view taken through a modified lid wherein the cap portion and the rail pen tion are integral. g

Figure 41 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a portion of Figure 40 in enlarged detail and with a lining in position. i I

Figure 42 is a detail plan view with parts broken away showing a lining structure as may be used with the ca sket (it Figures 39, 40 and 41.

Figure 4-3 is a sectional view taken on the line 4343 of Figure 42. v

Figure 44 is an enlarged fragmentary View taken on the lin e 44 -44 of Figure 42.

Figure 45 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View illustrating an arrangement whereby the interior of a casket body or shell may be provided with a deta'chably mounted lining. v

V is a side 'elevational view showing a casket of the cut top type, the lining being omitted to clarify showing of the spring clips. t a

Figure 47 is a plan view with parts broken away showing a lining and frame thereof as 'used in the casket of Figure 46.

Figure 48 is a perspective View showing an arcuately preformed strip having spring means for retaining a liner within a 1m.

Figure 49 is a transverse sectional view taken through a lid and showing in exploded relation a name compristhe device of Figure 48. I I

Figure 50 shows the parts of Figure 49 in assembled relation.

Figure 51 is a transverse sectional view taken through a lid which has been molded of plastic material, with sp ing clips ante-deed therein during the molding operation.

Figure 52 shows a lid and a lining assembly in exploded relation.

Figure 53 shows the parts of Figure 52 in assembled relation. I

Figure 54 is a fragmentary perspective showing a frame emb Figure Sj nan enlarged seetienal view taken an the 1ine5sss of Figure 54. p p I Figure 56 is a transverse 'se'etie'nal view taken through alidand frame the frame being in exploded reiattan but its assembled relation within the lid being indicated by broken lines,

Figures 57 and '58 a e respect vel a plafl view and a side elevation thereof showing a frame member comprisingrods. 1 A r Figure 59 is an enlarged section taken on the line 59 9 of Figure 58. v g

Figure 60 is a trai s'versefsection taken through a lid with the frarne of Figure 57 in exploded relation, the assembled relation of the parts again being indicated by broken lines. I r V Figure 61 is a view similar to Figure 59 but indicating a lining attached thereto, and

Figure 62 is a detail perspective view of a spring clip used in the arrangement of Figure Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, the casket shown comprises a main body portion or shell 1, a rim or rail 2 and a cover or lid which is divided into two parts, a foot portion 3 which is fixed in closed position as shown and a head portion 4 which is hingedly mounted as will presently be described. The casket here shown is also characterized by a split (or divided) rail, portions of the rail indicated at 2a, 2b and 2:: being hingedly mounted to the shell Ito swing outwardly to the positions shown when desired. The lid 4 is mounted on the rail portion 2c which is hinged at 5 (Figure 4), thus the lid 4 may be lifted as desired. The structure just described is known in the art as the half couch type of casket and is not deemed to require further detailed description for purpose of this specification.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 4, the lid 4 is formed of a generally arcuate portion 6 having at its front side an inturned flange 7 and at its back side an inturned flange 9. At the head end of the casket the arcuate portion 6 curves downward as at 6a to terminate in an inturned flange 8. At the opposite end the arcuate portifdit 6 adjoins a vertical end wall 612 terminating with an inturned flange 10. I

Still referring to Figures 2 and 4, I have indicated a series of suitably spaced spring elips 11 afliXed by welding or other means such as screws, rivets, grommets or the like, to the inturned flanges 7, 8 and 10-. Theirrturned flange 9 of the lid is welded or otherwise fixed to the hinged rail portion 20 (Figure 4) which itself 'h'as a flange 2d and to this flange I weld other spring clips 11 specifically designated 11a, 11a in the drawings.

A detailed illustration of one of the spring clips 11 (or 11a) is shown in Figure 34. The clip may be tonne-d of flat spring metal having a straight portion or shank 1-2 for purpose of welding or otherwise attaching to one of the inturned flanges of the lid previously described. As will be readily understood, the clip also has other bent portions 12a, 12b and 12c arranged in U-shaped formation, the open end of the U being somewhat nan rower than its bottom end so that a retaining action results after a rod of a suitable diameter is pressed into the clip. Since rods of suitable diameter are arranged in a frame it will be obvious that the frame may be de mountably sprung into position in the clips. I

Figure 35 shows an alternative type of retaining clip which may be employed. This clip has a short arm 13 pivotally attached by means of a rivet 13a, which arm when moved to the dotted position 13b serves to lock in place any -'rod seated within the U'-shaped portion enerally indicated at 132;

Figures 36, 37 and 38 show other modifications of suit able spring clips having shank portions generally indi cated at 13d and U-shaped retaining portions generally indicated at 13e. it will be obvious that in all modifications of the spring clips the shanks thereof may be displaced as required for mounting the clips in proper engaging relation with the rods. w I l Referring to Figures 9, 10 ana =1 -1, I strewn a detailed embodiment illustrating one form of a preas seinbled lining structure which I employ for the lid. The main body ortien of this liner comprises a suitable backing fabric 14 to which is pasted or otherwise 'afiiige'd the decorative lining material 15. As indicated at 15h, the lining material may be embossed, pleated, gathered or otherwise arranged, the method of decoration being no part of this invention. 7

The "fabric 14 is hemmed stitching on three sides to form loops or pockets 17, 18 and 19, suitable fer receiving rods 20, 21 and 22. Near the lower eage of this liner, as seen in Figure 9, we provide slits "23, 23, the purpose 'of which will presently be described. Also secured to the fabric 14 by suitable stitching is a series I of fabric strips 24 forming elongated pockets or tunnels 25, 26, 27 and 28, each of which as here shown, loosely engages a straight flat strip of metal spring material 29'. The length of the spring strips 29 is approximately equal to the length of the inner concave side of the arcuate portion 6 of the lid, so that when sprung into position the spring pieces will form curved arcs under tension against the concave wall or roof of the lid. It will be understood that the strips 29 may be of metal, plastic, wood, rubber, fibre glass or other material having suitable spring qualities.

Referring briefly to Figures 12 and 13, I have herein shown details of a curtain member (often termined an ogee in the trade) used in conjunction with our improved lining. As here shown the curtain material has an upper loop or hem 31 suitable for receiving a rod 32. The material 30 may itself be of quality suitable for lining purpose or may be of less expensive backing material having a pasted or otherwise aflixed lining material as desired. The liner may, of course, have other embellishments or the like such as the loop 31a which serves no functional purpose.

Referring next to Figures 5 and 6, our improved liner is assembled within the lid 4 as will now be described. With the lid in a lifted position as shown, oi s of the preassembled liners 13 is brought into position approximately as shown. The workman then flexes the spring members 29 to an arcuate position suitable for admitting the upper ends 29a of the springs behind the flange 7 and the lower ends 2% behind the flange 9 as indicated by the dotted lines 290. The workman next pushes inwardly as indicated by the arrow X, upon the entire assembly 13. This action flexes the springs 29 from the position 290 of Figure 5 causing them to snap into the position 29d of Figure 6.

The springs 29 assume the final position shown and remain therein under tension, as will be clear due to the fact that their overall length (equal to that of the concave arcuate portion 6 of the lid) is greater than the length of a chord drawn between the ends of the are as defined by the inturned flanges 7 and 9.

With the lining 13' thus held in place by reason of the springs 29 the workman presses the rods 20, 21 and 22 which form the frame, into the various spring clips 11. Thus three sides of the liner are supported and retained by means of the rods in proper alignment with the inturned flanges of the lid and the main body portion of the liner is held in an arcuate contour approximating that of the lid by means of the springs 29. However, as best seen in Figures 5 and 6, the lower end 13" of the liner is of a length suflicient to extend somewhat below the flange 2d mounting the spring clips 11a. This permits the clips 11a to be pushed through the slits 23 of the liner and thereafter the rod 32 (carrying the curtain member 30) will be inserted into the spring clips 11a.

The positions of the parts will then be as seen in Figure 6 where it may be pointed out that the curtain 30 serves to obscure metal portions of the casket including the hinge 5 and also that the curtain rod 32 cooperates in retaining the lower edge of the liner 13' in positlon.

Our present invention may include means or method for lining the main body portion 1 of the casket although Figures 4, 5 and 6 of my drawings indicate conventional structure wherein a wood strip 35 received tacks 36 supporting a conventional body lining 37. However, referring briefly to Figures 40, 41 and 45, we have shown how a suitable body lining may be detachably provided. As shown in these figures the upper edge of the shell or main body portion of the casket has a downwardly disposed flange 38 extending around the four sides of the 6 described for purpose of teaching at least one embodiment wherein a casket is provided with a completely detachable lining structure.

Referring briefly to Figures 1, 7 and 8, we have indicated a pair of spring clips 21 mounted in the rail portion 2a which is here shown in its outwardly turned position. The clips 2 serve to mound a rod 2g (Figure 8) which carries a suitable curtain or drape 2h for the purpose of obscuring structure of the rail 2a and for enhancing appearance. It will be understood that the hinged rail portion 2b may also be thus arranged if desired.

Referring now to Figures 21 through 25, we have illustrated how our improved lining may be utilized in a casket of the duo-hinge or sealer type, also well known in the art. As illustrated this casket is characterized by a main body portion having hinged thereto as at 51 the rim or rail 52 which in turn provides hinged mounting 53 for the lids 54 and 55, the lid being formed in two parts. This type of casket also has other features including a glass sealing plate, well known in the art and forming no part of this invention, and therefore not herein shown and described. We have indicated a series of spring clips 56 aflixed to each of the lids 54 and 55, and it will be readily recognized that these clips again serve to mount suitable liners within the lids. In Figure 23 a portion of a lid liner is seen at 58, the lower edge of the liner being retained in place by presence of the rod 59. The liner 58 is not herein shown and described in detail, it being substantially similar in all respects to the liner 13 described in reference to Figure 9. In the present instance, however, the rod 59 (which is similar to the rod 32 of Figure 6) carries a puffing 60 which may be of suitable decorative fabric to obscure the hinges 53 and other metal parts when one or both of the lids are lifted to the position of Figure 23, it being understood that a separate liner 58, rod 59 and pufling 60 is employed with each of the lids 54 and 55. As clearly shown in Figures 21, 22 and 23, the rail 52 is formed with upper and lower inturned flanges respectively indicated at 61 and 62 which flanges extend about the four sides of the rectangular opening of the rail 52. To the flanges 61 we mount a series of suitably spaced spring clips 63, and to the lower flange 62 we mount a series of spring clips 64 for the purpose of attaching a lining assembly presently to be described and which will serve to line the open area existing between the flanges 61 and 62.

Referring briefly to Figures 24 and 25, we have illustrated a suitable frame and lining structure for open areas of the rail 52. The frame comprises four outer bars or rods 65 and four similar inner bars 66 arranged in rectangular formation as shown.

A lining member 67 of suitable fabric or other material is attached to the bars 65, and 66 by means of pockets or hems 68 and 69 as indicated in Figure 25. Figure 25 indicates the lining member 67 mounted in place within the rail 52, the bars 65 and 66 being respectively engaged by the retaining clips 64 and 63 to retain the liner firmly in position. Referring to Figure 25a it will be understood that the lining 67 may comprise a puffed or padded form as produced by padding 67a.

Referring to Figures 26, 27 and 28 we have shown another modification known as the hinged cap type of casket. This casket has a main body portion or shell 70 having hinged thereto as at 71 a rim or rail 72. The lid is in two parts and comprises a foot cap 73 suitably fixed to the rail and a head cap 74 which is hingedly mounted onto the rail by hinges 75.

The head cap or lid 74 has inturned flanges 76, 77 and 78 and in accordance with our invention we mount thereon a series of spring clips 79. On the lower inturned flange 80 we mount spring clips 81, 81. It will now be obvious that our improved lining structure as previously described with reference to the casket of Figure 1 may readily be employed in this lid and in Figure 2.8 we have. indicated. he lid 74 havingv a liner 8 .1 and a. curtain. member 83. in assembled relation, the structure being substantially similar to the structure of Figure. 6 ne -previously described in detail, with the exception that, as best. seen in Figure 27, the curtain 83 is attached by stitching 83a. to.- the liner 82 which liner has a suitable hem. 8.241 with rod 82b engaged by the clips 81. It will also now be obvious that. the method of lining the inner open area of the rail 72 may be similar to the. method disclosed with reference to Figures 21 through 25 and for this purpose we have shown the rail 72 as having upper and lower spring clips 84, (Figure 27) retaining a lining structure 86 (Figure 28).

In Figures 39., 4,0 and 41 we. have shown a casket known in the. art as the full couch type. The characteristic features of this casket include a main body portion 90 haying a rim. or rail 91 hingedly mounted on the main body portion by means of hinges 92. The lid 93v is rigidly affixed to the rail and extends the full length thereof. As in the casket structures previously described the lid 93. has inturned flanges herein generally indicated at 94, which flanges mount a series of spring clips generally indicated at 95. Also as previously described the rail 91 has upper and lower inturned flanges generally indicated at 96 and 97.

Where the cap and rail are formed as an integral casting the clips are secured to the flange of the rail and the. cap and rail together form what may be properly called. the lid. Such a modification is shown in Figure 40A. The. flanges 97 are provided with a series of spring clips 98 which clips in combination with the clips 95 serve to retain a single. lining structure which lines both the lid. and the rail as will next be described with reference to. Figure 42.

The lining structure of Figure 42 is a combination wherein a lid liner similar to that of Figure 9 is attached to a rail liner similar to that of Figure 2, both of which have been previously described in detail. However, as in Figure 42 the liner here shown comprises an outer pair of rods 99, 99, and an inner pair of rods 100, 100 supporting suitable lining material indicated at 101 which serves as that portion required for lining the rail. At-v tached by any suitable means, as by stitching, to the material 101, is the lid lining portion 103. As will be obvious from previous disclosure, the lid lining 103 may be provided with tunnels 104 accommodating spring strips 105 or other means for retaining the lid. lining material in arcuate formation within the lid. Figure. 41 illustrates assembly of the lining structure with relation to the lid and rail, it being apparent that the lining material 101 covers the open area of the rail 91, and that the material 103 serves as the lid lining, the assembly being firmly but detachably retained in position by virtue of the spring clips 95 and 98 respectively engaging the rods 100 and. 99 while the spring strips 105 retain the lid lining in proper relation.

Referring now to Figure 46, we have shown a casket ofthe type referred to as a cut top. This casket is very similar to the full couch type as just described with reference to Figure 39, with the exception that the hinged top of the casket is divided or cut into two parts. Thus in Figure 46 the casket has the usual body portion or shell having suitable hinges (not shown) for mounting the top structure herein shown in open position and generally indicated at 111. The top structure 111 comprises a head portion 112 and a foot portion 113 each of which consists of a U-shaped rail section 114 having attached thereto suitable lid portions 115, the open ends of the U-shaped formations being provided with header plates 116 as well known in the art. Attached to the lid flanges we have indicated a series of spring clips 117 and to the outer flanges of the rail other spring clips 118 are affixed. The headers 116 have spring clips 119,

Referring next to Figure 47 the liner here shown is s mi ar :in d tail to the liner f F g re .2 x pt tha it ha b en fann in. tw p r s b ou ly requ ed o uit h a ke of. ig r 46. Th sv this l ni omprise a head portion 120. and a foot portion 121, each of which may comprise outer U-shaped rods 122 and similar inner; rods 123, upon which rods the liner 124 may be suitablymounted by means of straps, loops, stitches or other d e-. vices. Near the open ends of the U formed. by th IQQS. 122, 123, a third rod 125 is provided in each of the linings 120 and 121, and spring strips 126 are again employed.

As will be readily understood the linings 12 0 and 121 are attached within the top portions 112 and 113 by merely flexing the spring strips 126 (as described in ref: erence to Figure 5) and manipulating the lid portion of. the liner into position, whereafter the rods 122 and 123 are pressed into the spring clips 118 and 117, the rods 125 being pressed into the spring clips 119.

Figure 29 is a sectional view through an arcuate metal lid having inturned flanges 131 and 132 A lining assembly 133 is also shown in position preparatory to insertion within the lid. The lining 133 comprises a suit= able frame or shell 134 which may be of wood, fiber or other material suitable for use with tacks, glue or similar fastening devices for attaching a lining. The shell 134 may thus be provided with a lining 135 which may be of q the crushed pasted type or of the upholstered type as well known in the art, and may comprise fabric, leather or other material suitably arranged and attached to the shell. The lining 135 may have attached thereto a curtain member or the like 135a for obvious purpose.

Fixed to the shell 134 by a screw or other suitable means 136, we have shown a flat spring member 137. At least two of these springs 137 will be employed, the springs being suitably spaced. To assemble this liner within the lid the workman flexes the springs 137 so that their upper ends engage behind the flange 131 and their lower ends behind the flange 132. Thus the parts will be in the position of Figure 29 and by merely pushing in the direction of arrow Y the liner will be brought to the position indicated in dotted lines where the springs 137 bear-. ing against the inner concave surface of the lid and against the inturned flanges will hold the complete lining structure firmly in place. 8

Figures 30, 31 and 32 illustrate a modification wherein a shell 140 has a series of brackets 141 mounting rods 142, the shell and its lining 143 being detachably retained in position within the lid 144 by means of spring clips 145 mounted on the lid and engaging the rods 142.

Figure 33 illustrates a modification wherein a shell 146 is detachably retained within a lid 147 by means of a screw 148, the shell being provided with a suitable nut or the like as at 149. As shown, the lid may have a recessed portion 150 receiving the head of the screw and having a cover plate 151 serving to obscure the screw. The plate 151 may have a decorative outer face 152 and ay b r mov ly Pre s d into he re ss .150 0r othen wise removably attached as by threads or frictional ar= rangerne s ot hown- It. will, of urse, be Pref rabl to employ a plurality of these screw type fasteners located as desired.

Referring now to Figures 14 through 18, we have shown modified means for retaining the lid lining in arcuate form within the lid. As here shown we may employ pre-formed arcuate strips which may be of metal,

plastic, wood or other material suitable for mounting g ts r ther d cha le ho d g m ans Thu an u e r p 5 m n s. m gn ts 1.56, .157 a d .158. A in igu e h the tr p aterial .160. s of pla the magnets may be formed with a knurled or roughened portion 159, serving to retain them securely within the strip. As. in Figure 17 when the strip material 161 is of wood, metal or the like, the magnets may be attached by use of screws 162. In Figure 18 the strip 163 has a perforation 164 engaging the shank of a suction cup 165 Figures .7 and 8 sh mploy ent of preform d tr ps 1 5 i h .tnagnets 15 .5.7 and 1.58 engag ng he 9. metal lid 74 to retain the lining 82 in position. Due to presence of the magnet 157 it will be preferred to omit the central portion of the tunnel strap engaging the strip. Thus in Figure 9 the tunnel strap 27 has been cut away as at 27a.

Figure 19 shows an arrangement wherein preformed arcuate strips have further alternate retaining devices. As herein shown a strip 166 has male elements 167 of common snap fasteners and affixed to the lid 168 are female elements 169. As here shown, the flanges of the lid are provided with spring clips 170 and the fabric lining 171 will have marginal loops 172 preferably on all four sides to receive rods such as the rods 173 suitable for engagement with the spring clips 17 0.

Figure 20 shows an arrangement wherein preformed liner retaining strips such as the strip 175 have threaded holes 176 engaged by screws 177 extending through perforations in the lid 178. Rods 179 carried in marginal loops of the lining and engaging spring clips mounted on the lid are again employed.

In Figure 54 we have shown an arrangement whereby pre-formed arcuate strips 180 have suitably formed outer ends 181 for receiving rods 182 which in combination with rods 183 comprise a rectangular frame suitable for attachment of a lining structure. Figure 52 shows this frame with a lining 184 attached thereto, the assembly being shown in exploded relation with a lid 185 having spring clips 186 the assembled relation of the lid and lining being shown in Figure .53 where the rods 182 are engaged by the spring clips to retain the frame in position. As in Figures 54 and 55 the rods 182 and 183 may be joined into a rectangular frame by means of couplings or the like 187. This permits the various rods to be inserted into marginal hems of the lining fabric after which the couplings are engaged to join the frame pieces. However, as in Figure 52 where the various rods are engaged and retained in position by spring clips, the rods 183 need not be fastened to the rods 182. A simple arrangement of a coupling 187 is illustrated in Figure 55. As here shown the rods 181 and 183 have oppositely threaded ends 181a and 183a engaged by internal matching threads of the coupler 187.

In Figure 56 we have again employed the frame of Figure 54, like parts having been given like numerals and the frame being shown in exploded relation with a lid 188 perforated as at 189. In this modification the strips 180 are provided with threaded studs such as the stud 190 which, in the assembled relation of the lid and frame as shown in broken lines, extend through the perforations 189 to be engaged by suitable nuts 191 which may be of decorative design.

Referring to Figures 48, 49 and 50, a further modification of the frame of Figure 54 is illustrated, like parts having again been given like numerals. Here the strips 180 have afiixed at one end a short stud or the like 192 which in final assembly of the parts engages behind the flange 193 of the lid 194. At the other end of the strip 180 we have affixed a spring latch member 195 which ultimately engages behind the flange 196 of the lid. The latch member 195 may be formed of spring wire or the like and have a shank portion 197 which is atfixed to the strip 180 in any desired manner or as by welding 198 (Figure 48). The wire may have convolutions as at 199 providing ample resiliency and permitting the latch portion to be sprung to the position shown by dotted lines in Figure 49 wherein insertion of the frame within the lid is also illustrated by dotted lines, the final position thereof being as shown in Figure 50.

Referring now to Figures 57 through 62, we have illustrated another modification comprising suitably formed rods or bars joined together and forming a framework for purpose of detachably mounting a liner within a lid. As seen in Figure 57 the frame or lining support comprises a generally rectangular outline defined by rods 200, 201, 202 and 203. Referring also to Figure 59 the 10 rods 200 and 202 are joined by a series of arcuately formed rods 204. Other suitably formed rods 205 and 206 extend longitudinally of the frame joining the various rods 204 and the corners of the rectangular structure as shown.

The rods may be of metal, plastic, wood or other suitable material and at their various points of contact may be joined together by any means suitable to the material employed. For retaining this framework in place the lid 207 (Figure 60) may be provided with spring clips 208 one of which is seen in Figure 62. Figure 60 shows the assembled relation of the frame and lid, the frame being shown in broken lines and it will be clear that the clips 208 engage the rods 205 and 206 to retain the frame in place. A plurality of the clips 208 will, of course, be employed and as illustrated in Figure 61 the frame will have attached a suitable lining here indicated at 209 and being attached to the frame by various strap-like pieces 210 and hems 211. This method of attaching the lining, however, is merely exemplary and various other means of attachment may readily occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of our invention. Also as in Figure 60 the frame structure might readily be retained within the lid by means of spring clips 212 mounted on the flanges of the lid and engaging the rods 200 and 202.

In Figure 51 we have illustrated a lid 213 which may be molded of fiber glass plastic composition or cast of other suitable material as desired. It will be evident that in molded members whether it be the cap, rail or shell we may readily embed or otherwise aflix, suitable spring clips located as desired. Thus we have indicated spring clips 214 having shanks 215 embedded in the molded material. I

Modifications in the size and structural characteristics of various caskets such as forming the cap and rail in a onepiece stamping, will adapt themselves to the employment of spring clips or other retaining devices used in combination with arcuate members supporting a lining so that without any tacking or gluing the lining may be demountably secured in position.

Having thus described our invention, what We claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a casket having a concave lid with inturned flanges thereon, a series of retaining clips mounted on said lid and a lining structure comprising a demountable frame engaged by said retaining clips and having spring members extending widthwise across the frame, said spring members being normally bowed outwardly in a convex formation and also adapted to be bowed inwardly in a concave formation conforming to the shape of the concave surface of the lid.

2. In a casket structure having a concave lid with inturned flanges thereon, retaining means mounted on the inturned flanges of said lid, a lining assembly fitting within said lid comprising a demountable frame engaged by said retaining means and having transverse members normally bowed outwardly in a convex formation but also adapted to bow the lining upwardly into an arcuate formation conforming to the shape of said concave lid.

3. In combination with an all metal casket having a concave lid with inturned flanged portions at its edges, metal attaching devices carried by said inturned flanged portions and a demountable frame having lining members attached to said frame secured in said attaching devices, said lining members supporting strips of a length to engage within said flanged portions, said strips normally bowed outwardly in a convex formation but also adapted to be bowed upwardly to cause said lining members to be held against the concavity of the lid.

4. A demountable lining assembly for a casket having a lining and a concave lid comprising a metal frame and means forming part of said concave lid for receiving and demountably securing the metal frame in position, and outwardly bowed means forming part of said frame 

